21 More Criterion Films Now on Netflix “Watch Instantly” including THE RULES OF THE GAME, THE PASSION OF JOAN OF ARC, and THE WAGES OF FEAR

Criterion makes the best DVDs/Blu-rays on the market for art house films. This quality comes with a premium that most are willing to pay, but some cannot afford. Last month, Netflix added 35 Criterion movies to their “Watch Instantly” selection. It’s a smart move by Criterion since their movies can reach a wider audience and drive up demand for physical copies of Criterion films because they still contain fantastic special features. Netflix benefits because it will bring on more film-lovers who can’t afford to check out ever Criterion Collection movie, but still want to see these rare and essential films.

Today, 21 more Criterion Collection films debuted on Netflix’s Watch Instantly and there are some great ones. I’ll list all 21 after the jump, but here are some of my personal favorites that are now available to Netflix subscribers who have at least an $8.99/mo plan: M, The Passion of Joan of Arc, Picnic at Hanging Rock, The Rules of the Game; and those I’m ashamed I haven’t seen yet: Richard III, Smiles of a Summer Night, Tokyo Drifter, Umberto D., and The Wages of Fear. I have a busy weekend ahead of me.

Hit the jump for the full list of films.

These Criterion Collection films are now available via Netflix’s “Watch Instantly” service [This info comes from StreamingSoon.com, which is a must-bookmark site]: